Cleadon SC strengthened their position at the top of the table with victory over New Marske and South Tyneside neighbours Boldon CA did them a good turn defeating Whitehaven.

Mark Johnson was an early marksman at Jack Clark Park and when Brian Tully added a second just after the interval, it appeared that Cleadon were on their way to another comfortable win.

New Marske, second from bottom, had other ideas and belied their lowly position with a strong second half performance.

They were rewarded on 80 minutes when Trevor Williams reduced the deficit and from then on the outcome was in doubt but Cleadon held on for their 14th success in 18 attempts.

They now lead Whitehaven by five points and have a game in hand on the Cumbrians, who went down 2-1 at Boldon CA.

It took an hour for the deadlock to be broken as Mark Williams found the net and ten minutes later David Stephenson was also on the mark. There were just two minutes remaining as Jonathan Wilkes threw Whitehaven a lifeline but his goal came too late to save the game.

The top six clash between Teesside Athletic and Birtley Town ended equal.

James Kesterton gave the home side the lead with a tremendous effort from 30 yards and with 15 minutes remaining, Simon Welch deflected the ball into his net for the equaliser.

At the bottom, Nissan SC Sunderland and Gateshead Low Fell were involved in a goalless draw at the Nissan Sports Complex.

The visitors had the better of the opening stages but towards the end Nissan pressed and Stephen Bagley almost earned them full points.

Jarrow were beaten 4-1 on their visit to Cleator Moor Celtic who were three goals up by half time courtesy of Carl Fillingham, Craig Padley and Craig Scott. Dean Patton struck for Jarrow but Zak Rudd found the net at the other end.

Mark Oliver and Paul Burrell were on target when Harton and Westoe drew 2-2 at Annfield Plain and Ryhope CW came from behind to finish 2-1 in front of Wolviston. Lee Thompson gave the visitors the advantage after an hour and late in the game Chris Stanton and Alan Surtees swung the initiative to the Wearsiders.

Coxhoe Athletic are bottom after losing 3-1 to championship hopefuls Stokesley SC, who conceded a seventh minute penalty which was converted by Philip Lawson.

Jonathan Newton restored parity and after Stephen Pennock rounded off a good move, James Alsop struck a free kick into the top corner of the net from outside the penalty area.

Willington are now almost out of the championship race after going down to third top Windscale for whom Lee Dixon scored the only goal after 88 minutes.